Leslie Massey
Snow peas are a cool-season crop that grows best in the cooler months of the year. They are not frost-tender, so they can be sown right through the winter, even in places like Melbourne, but they will do better if sown in autumn or spring when the soil is warmer. Snow peas are fast-growing and prolific producers, so with the right conditions, you can expect an abundant crop. They are also legumes, so they produce their own nitrogen, but they require other nutrients like potassium, which promotes flowering and pod development.
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What You'll Learn
Snow peas grow best in the cooler months
Snow peas are a cool-season vegetable that grows best in the cooler months of the year. They thrive in temperatures below 30°C and can be grown in most climates. In colder areas, wait until the chance of frost has passed before planting, as frost can damage seedlings and impact pod development. Snow peas are sensitive to heat and will stop producing if it gets too warm.
When growing snow peas, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. You can grow them in pots or garden beds. If you're short on space, opt for dwarf varieties that don't require a trellis. For climbing varieties, provide a trellis, pyramid, or teepee for support, as these can grow up to 2 metres tall.
Sow snow pea seeds directly where they will grow, about 20-30mm deep and 100mm apart in rows. Keep the soil moist but not wet, as overwatering can cause the seeds to rot before germination. Snow peas typically take around 10 weeks to harvest after sowing and should be picked when the pods are young, tender, and flat.
To promote healthy growth, water your snow peas regularly throughout the growing season. Adding mulch can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Well-composted organic matter, such as aged manure, is usually sufficient for fertilisation, but you can also use a water-soluble or liquid fertiliser every few weeks.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow snow peas during the cooler months and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
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Snow peas are legumes and fix their own nitrogen
Snow peas are a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in pots or garden beds. They grow well in full sun, in well-drained soil enriched with compost. They are fast-growing and prolific producers, so with the right conditions, you can expect an abundant crop.
The nitrogen-fixing quality of legumes like peas is due to a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. A common soil bacterium, Rhizobium, invades the root and multiplies within the cortex cells. In return for the plant supplying all the necessary nutrients and energy it needs, the bacteria release nitrogen back to the root in a form that is easily used by the plant. Within a week after "infection", small nodules are visible with the naked eye. As nodules grow in size, they turn pink or reddish, indicating nitrogen fixation has started.
Snow peas are available in two forms: tall (indeterminate) and dwarf (determinate). Tall forms are vines that grow up to 2m and need support, while dwarf forms do not usually require a trellis. They should be picked when the pods are young, tender, and flat. Once the peas inside the pods begin to swell, they can become tough and bitter.
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Snow peas are fast-growing and prolific producers
Snow peas are a cool-season crop that can be grown in pots or garden beds. They are fast-growing and prolific producers, so with the right conditions, you can expect a bountiful harvest.
Snow peas are available in two forms: tall (indeterminate) and dwarf (determinate). The tall varieties are vines that can grow up to 2 metres in height and need support, while the dwarf varieties do not usually require a trellis and only grow to about 60 cm in height.
When growing snow peas, it is important to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. You can enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter, such as aged manure. Snow peas should be sown directly into the ground at the recommended depth and spacing on the seed pack. For climbing varieties, sow the seeds at the base of the support structure.
It is important not to overwater snow pea seeds, as this can cause them to rot before germination. After germination, water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist. Snow peas can usually be harvested from about 10 weeks after sowing, or approximately 10 days after flowering. The pods should be picked when they are young, tender, and flat, usually about 7.5-10 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. Once the peas inside the pods start to swell, they can become tough and bitter.
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Snow peas can be grown in pots or garden beds
Snow peas are a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in pots or garden beds. They are fast-growing and produce a heavy crop, so they are a rewarding choice for your garden.
If you're short on space, snow peas can be grown in medium-sized pots or trough-style planters. Choose a pot that is at least 20-30cm deep and of a similar width. Alternatively, a narrow trough-style planter can be positioned against a trellis or wall to allow the peas to climb. Dwarf varieties of snow peas are also available, which do not require a trellis and are ideal for those with limited space.
To grow snow peas in a pot, fill the container with a premium potting mix and water it to dampen the mix. Sow the seeds 2-3cm deep and 7-10cm apart at the base of your support structure, or in a circle close to the middle of the pot. Place the pot in a full sun spot and do not water again until the seeds have germinated, which usually takes 7-10 days.
Snow peas can also be grown in garden beds. They prefer a sunny spot with well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Sow the seeds directly into the prepared bed, at the recommended depth and spacing on the pack. If using a support structure, place the seeds at the base. Do not water again until the seeds have germinated.
Whether you're growing snow peas in pots or garden beds, mulch can be added to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertiliser can also be used to boost production, although this is not necessary as snow peas fix their own nitrogen.
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Snow peas should be picked when the pods are still flat and tender
Snow peas are a cool-season crop that can be grown in most climates during the cooler months of the year. They are not frost-tender, so they can be sown in winter, but they will do better if sown in autumn or spring when the soil is warmer. Snow peas are fast-growing and will be ready to harvest from about eight to ten weeks after sowing.
To ensure a bountiful harvest, it is important to pick snow peas at the right time. Snow peas should be picked when the pods are still flat and tender. If you wait too long, the peas inside the pods will start to swell, and the pods may become tough and bitter or tough and unpleasant to eat. Therefore, it is best to pick snow peas when the pods are young and tender, usually about ten to fourteen days after flowering. The pods should be approximately 75-100mm long and 25mm wide at this stage.
Picking the pods when they are young and flat ensures the best flavour and texture. It also encourages the plant to continue producing more pods. Regular picking of the pods, at least once a day, will increase production and provide you with a steady supply of delicious snow peas.
Snow peas are typically eaten pod and all, either raw straight off the vine or blanched and cooked in stir-fries. The young shoots and thread-like tendrils are also edible and have a fresh pea-like flavour. So, when growing snow peas, it is essential to keep an eye on the pods and pick them while they are still flat and tender for the best culinary experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Snow peas are best grown in Australia during the cooler months of the year. In sub-tropical regions, snow peas can be grown as late as August.
Snow peas can be grown in pots or garden beds. Climbing varieties of snow peas will require a trellis, pyramid, or tepee, while dwarf varieties can grow without support. Snow peas should be picked when the pods are young, tender, and flat.
Snow peas should be planted in full sun with well-drained soil enriched with compost. Snow peas require regular watering but be careful not to water them too much as the seeds can rot.
